Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was interviewed this week by ESPN Brasil.
Speaking to reporter João Castelo Branco, the 29-year-old spent most of the conversation talking about the Coronavirus situation in the United Kingdom and the vaccination among players in the Premier League, saying despite his decision to take the jab, people should respect everyone’s choice.
There was also time to speak about Liverpool as well, so Alisson was asked about him being the Reds’ captain in the last two Champions League games they played. The goalkeeper explained that he had the vote from his teammates for that.
“Usually, in Europe, (the captain) is the most experienced player or with the most games. We recently had a group of four captains, and they all got hurt. Klopp had to choose, opted for Firmino, who had more games. And, in this atypical situation for that moment, the coach opened voting among the players to choose new captains,” Alisson told ESPN Brasil.
“Wijnaldum also left. And that has expanded the captains, now to six. I was one of those voted. I’m happy for the team’s confidence, but regardless of whether it’s the armband or not, I think everyone is important in this leadership issue. As a goalkeeper, that sense of leadership is important.”
Alisson also talked about Taffarel, who joined Jurgen Klopp’s staff about a month ago, and already worked with him at the national team. The goalkeeper claimed he indeed wanted a Brazilian working with him at the club, and says the coach’s arrival will help Liverpool’s process of developing new players for the position.
“He’s a very special person for me, professionally speaking, but we also created a friendship. Awesome guy. He was without a club, this opportunity came up at Liverpool, to be able to work with him. Personally, I’ve always wanted a Brazilian here as a goalkeeper coach in Europe.
“Liverpool offered the opportunity, I indicated, it was discussed internally. The club has the mentality of forming goalkeepers at the academy, and it can add a lot to our day-to-day work. It’s very special, it will add a lot not only to me, but to the other goalkeepers. In the long run, it will be even better.”
